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Huising Lab Junior Specialist

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Position description

The Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior at the University of California, Davis invites applications for qualified Junior Specialists (JPF03730) in general support of molecular, cellular, microscopy-based and physiological experiments related to the study of diabetes.

Flexibility in working hours is expected to be responsive to the ongoing requirements to engage in physical distancing in an effort to reduce the risk of exposure and spread of SARS-CoV2. Working remotely for those activities that can be conducted away from the lab is encouraged, although a majority of activities will have to be conducted in the lab. This position can be filled on a part-time basis.

Research (90%)
This position requires creative contributions to an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of islet biology and diabetes. The candidate will help to determine research goals for defined projects in regular consultation with the Principal Investigator. He/she will design and spearhead specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques and to document and organize the results in preparation of scientific publications or grant proposals. The candidate will train and coordinate the activities of a pool of undergraduate students regarding the technical aspects of the research, including colony management and PCR-based genotyping, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results, planning follow-up experiments. He/she will be responsible for the upkeep of the lab: ordering consumables, requesting quotes and interacting with company representatives where applicable, and ensuring that the lab is a clean and safe place to work. Experience in pancreatic islet biology is necessary, as is affinity for a variety of microscopy-based imaging techniques. Experience with quantification of image-based large datasets and experience with software packages such as ImageJ, Fiji, Matlab, Nikon Elements is required. Excellence in standard laboratory techniques (PCR, cloning, DNA and protein electrophoresis) and a strong work ethic are expected. Candidate must be comfortable handling and working with mouse model systems.

Professional competence (5%)
The candidate will be expected to actively contribute to the weekly lab meeting and will present to that same forum an average of 2 times a year on the research progress made. Separately, the candidate will lead an average of 2 journal club discussions a year, which requires the selection of an appropriate scientific publication and the discussion of its merit. The candidate will attend seminars and may present research results and is encouraged to interact with professional interest groups. The candidate will be allowed to engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public. This position requires excellent organization skills and precise execution of experiments, strong work ethic, good communication skills, and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

Service (5%)
The incumbent will act as a mentor for undergraduate volunteers in the lab, and provide training in lab procedures, both online and in person in accordance to prevailing recommendations on in-person interactions.
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BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in PCR, immunofluorescence and standard laboratory techniques is expected, as well as a good working knowledge of confocal microscopy. BSc degree in biological sciences or related discipline.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with quantification of image-based large datasets and experience with software packages such as ImageJ, Fiji, Matlab, and Nikon Elements is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Affinity and experience with a variety of microscopy-based imaging techniques preferred. Experience in islet biology and culture will be viewed favorably.

SALARY RANGE: Step I - $44,500 [100% annual] or Step II - $47,400 [100% annual], commensurate with qualifications and experience.

POSITION AVAILABLE/CLOSING DATE: As openings occur, appointments are made contingent upon availability of funding. The posting will remain open until June 30, 2021 to accommodate department needs. If you would like to continue to be considered after that time you will need to submit a new application when a new position is posted. Please note: The use of a junior specialist pool does not guarantee that an open position exists.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: Short term, up to two years. Appointments may be made up to 100%

TO APPLY: Qualified applicants should upload (a cover letter detailing their specific qualifications for this particular position, a curriculum vitae, and names of three references. Generic cover letters that do not address the specific qualifications for this position are not acceptable) via this URL:. https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF03730.

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Mark Huising, mhuising@ucdavis.edu

The University of California, Davis commits to inclusion excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

UC Davis is a smoke & tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/). If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter - Cover letter detailing applicants specific qualifications for this particular position.

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
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